Connecticut board orders acquitted cop reinstated

Published February 21. 2014 7:00AM | Updated February 21. 2014 7:39AM

Associated Press

Windsor Locks (AP) — A state board is ordering Windsor Locks to reinstate a police sergeant fired by town officials in 2012 for allegedly hindering an investigation into a fatal accident involving his son.

The State Board of Mediation and Arbitration released a report Thursday saying Robert Koistinen may have acted inappropriately, but didn't violate police department rules.

The board says an appropriate punishment is a one-year suspension without pay. The one year ended last year, and the board says Koistinen is due back pay.

Town officials are reviewing the ruling.

A jury acquitted Koistinen of hindering the investigation involving his son, Michael, who's serving five years in prison for a drunken car accident that killed a 15-year-old boy. Michael Koistinen also was a Windsor Locks officer and was fired after the accident.